Quick Guide to Counselling for Teens

Adolescence is an exciting time marked by a rapid growth in development as a child moves from childhood to young adulthood. Cognitive processes start to shift and teenagers experience emotional, physical and social changes. Exploration and risk-taking are common, as are the development of critical thinking skills (hopefully in a parallel fashion).

These changes can certainly be wonderful and thrilling, but they can also cause some discomfort in the teen and in the family dynamic. Teenagers are often at a higher risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues as they deal with physical changes and important life decisions on their journey to adulthood.

While parental involvement and support are critical during this developmental phase, additional support can be extremely helpful. Counselling for teens can make a real difference in helping adolescents work through these changes, develop ways to cope with the issues they face and equip them for their future adult lives.

When does my teen need counselling?

Teen therapists can help adolescents deal with challenges in their current lives, as well as with mental health issues they may be facing. Teen counsellors can be instrumental in preventing smaller issues from becoming real problems later on.

What do teen therapists do?

Every issue is different, so teen counsellors need to adapt their approach to a teenager’s individual needs. Counsellors are able to:

• Screen teenagers for mental health conditions or behavioral challenges that can be impacting their daily lives
• Develop a treatment plan to help teen clients overcome their challenges and learn how to cope with and regulate difficult emotions
• Help teens find insights into past trauma or family and friendship dynamics, among other issues

What are some benefits of teen counselling?

Not only do teen therapists help young adults cope with life’s challenges and develop skills for success for their futures, they also help boost confidence simply by listening. When a teen feels heard, it can make all the difference in their outlook on life.

Counselling can benefit teenagers in so many other ways:

• Develop good decision-making and critical-thinking skills so that the risks they naturally take during the teen years are healthy ones
• Establish and foster healthy relationships with their family and peers. Counsellors empower youth to develop assertive communication skills that will last their entire lives.
• Improve motivation and academic success. Once teenagers learn how to plan for their futures, they will be much more motivated to work for academic success
• Learn emotional regulation and awareness. The teen years can be turbulent emotionally. Counselling can provide important tools to manage these emotions.

At Lynn Valley, we have empathetic counsellors dedicated to youth empowerment. Our clinical counsellors are registered and have experience and training in working with children, teens, couples and families. We make sure that we match you with the right counsellor for your individual concerns and goals. Call us today to set up an appointment.